UFC commentator believes Conor McGregor is returning to strengthen his legacy, not for a big payday: "Back for more scalps"

Conor McGregor's upcoming octagon return is not motivated by financial gain but by a desire to further his legacy, according to Jon Anik. The UFC color commentator recently made a guest appearance on Renato Moicano's Show Me The Money podcast.

While sitting next to the Brazilian lightweight star, Anik shared his thoughts on McGregor's impending return. The Irishman is among the wealthiest combat sports athletes in history, and the highest-earning in MMA by a significant margin.

However, Anik has opined that there is more to McGregor's motivations.

"I feel like most of what I've set out to do in my career, I've accomplished, right? Certainly Conor McGregor can say the same thing as a two-division champion, right? But if you look it back a little bit more, he certainly expected to have more scalps on his UFC résumé than he has, right now."

Despite acknowledging that McGregor has accomplished much in his career, Anik believes 'The Notorious' feels that there is still more to achieve, including extending his number of UFC fights.

"He has one win at 155 pounds in the UFC. I don't think he has a title defense, right? So, while he has financial riches, I've always thought about the competitor, the mixed martial arts athlete within Conor would be back for more scalps and that's why he's back. So, he's not back for money."

Check out Jon Anik's thoughts on Conor McGregor's comeback (1:20:16):

There could be some truth to Anik's comments, but that will only be clear if the Irishman defeats Michael Chandler in their welterweight bout at UFC 303. A win would almost certainly put McGregor in a position to demand legacy-defining matchups, like a possible welterweight title shot.

It's already in the cards, as the promotion's 170-pound champion, Leon Edwards, has expressed his eagerness to face 'The Notorious' if they both manage to beat their scheduled opponents.

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Conor McGregor has a one-of-a-kind legacy in MMA

Conor McGregor's legacy is defined by three things: his featherweight run, his two-division championship status, and his drawing power. During his days as a 145-pounder, 'The Notorious' set the record for the fastest knockout in UFC championship history by knocking out José Aldo in 13 seconds.

Check out Conor McGregor's 13-second knockout of José Aldo:

He then became the promotion's first-ever simultaneous two-division champion, after spectacularly dethroning then-lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez.